The cost of alleviating drainage problems at the Riverfront Park has cost the town $126,000.

GLASTONBURY — Additional drainage work at Riverfront Park has cost the town $126,000 — so far.

Town Manager Richard J. Johnson said the largest expense was $100,000 to dig a 12-foot-deep drainage ditch 200 feet north of the boathouse.

He said work is ongoing to find a permanent solution for underground drainage issues at the $12 million park. Johnson said he's hoping for solution as early as next week.

"We continue to look at options," Johnson said. "In terms of a specific remedy and way forward, we are getting close."

Johnson said the portion of the park that has seen a "general sliding toward the river" is from the boat ramp side of the boathouse to the overlook north of the boathouse. A survey of soils down to 100 feet and submerged terrain in the river is nearing completion.

The town has been working with the project's geotechnical firm and an independent consultant. A special council meeting is expected to be scheduled in the next few weeks after a permanent solution is agreed upon.

Council Chairman Stewart "Chip" Beckett III said the $126,000 cost is "not definitive, by any means." He said once a solution is found, the town needs to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to get the work approved.

"I'm told this happens in a vast majority of projects along rivers," Beckett said. "You aren't dealing with stable soils. That's why we have contingency. We are still within that budget, but it is getting close. If a solution becomes apparent, we will need to get everyone together and then work with all haste to get the solution done."

Shortly after the park was completed, officials noted vertical and horizontal movement in the concrete terrace directly to the west of the boathouse and the serpentine handicapped accessible ramp leading from the park to the Connecticut River. Both areas have been closed to the public.

Riverfront Park had its grand opening celebration in late September. The park includes a boathouse and banquet facility, motorized boat launch, canoe and kayak launch, lighted basketball court, picnic pavilions, skating area, playgrounds, a fountain and trails. Beckett said despite the drainage issue, the park has been a success.

"People are down there all the time, especially on weekends," he said. "The whole thing has really been a success."